Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy on Thursday said he would step down on October as per the power-sharing accord with ally BJP.
BANGALORE: Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy on Thursday said he would step down on October as per the power-sharing accord with ally BJP but legislators of the two ruling coalition partners asked not to decide on quitting in haste and to take them into confidence on the issue.
Kumaraswamy told that several legislators were in favour of his continuing as Chief Minister till JD(S)-BJP resolved the power transfer issue.
However, "I don't want to belittle my image before the public, reneging on my promise. I will step down on October three", he said.
While JD(S) legislators wanted Kumaraswamy to take them into confidence before quitting, BJP MLAs suggested the Chief Minister hold parleys with saffron party leaders.
As confusion compounded over the contentious power transfer issue, the legislators were apprehensive that Kumaraswamy's resignation might force Central rule on the state in the wake of the political flux, the sources said.
Kumaraswamy, who had been hurt by the barrage of attacks on him by BJP leaders of Bellary and particularly the criminal case filed against him by Tourism Minister Sriramulu, told the legislators that he was firm on stepping down on October three.
Kumaraswamy's father and JD(S) chief H D Deve Gowda on reaching New Delhi last night had a telephonic conversation with the Chief Minister who briefed him about the emerging political situation and sought his advice.
Kumaraswamy also briefed his father on the criminal complaint filed by Sriramulu against him. Expressing anger over the action, Gowda told Kumaraswamy that he was returning to Bangalore, calling off talks on power transfer with BJP leaders.
Kumaraswamy told that during the consultations his father had in New Delhi with his confidantes, he was advised against having any parleys with top BJP leaders at this stage.
Meanwhile, BJP chose to ignore the threat issued by Gowda that the power transfer issue had been put on hold.
Sources close to Deputy Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa, quoting the leader, said the saffron party was ready to face elections to the state assembly in the event of JD(S) not honouring its promise on power transfer.
Even as rift widened between the coalition partners, Kumaraswamy said he was in no mood to go back on his promise of stepping down on October three.
"I will not go back. I will step down on October three. But it is for BJP to convince my party MLAs and also their party MLAs to the change of guard and transfer of power".
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